As stated in a previous entry, it is now mandatory for pilots in Canada to pass an ICAO language proficiency test. I was unaware of this requirement until after I passed my flight test. I would think that this would be done differently for someone who has english as a second language. (Get this test out of the way first in case it disqualifies you!) The test is straightforward with some situational questions. The best advice I can offer is to LISTEN to the examiner. It’s not a skill test, there isn’t a trick question but if you look at the diagram and begin applying all of your fancy pilot knowledge and don’t listen, you’ll miss a question or two!
I follow the forums over at avcanada and there was a great piece posted by a member which I’ll duplicate here. The full thread can be found HERE
The Facts regarding the Aviation Language Proficiency Test
As of March 5th, 2008, all licensed pilots in Canada (excluding permits, glider, gyroplane and ornithopter) will be required to meet a minimum language proficiency. Although this will be an ICAO requirement, every jurisdiction (country) has had the freedom to decide how their pilots will meet it. So — this means that Canada and the USA (for example) will have different ways of assessing this proficiency. How language proficiency will be recognized when converting licenses from one country to another has not yet (that I am aware of) been decided.
The Aviation Language Proficiency Test (hereafter called ALPT) is a 20 question oral examination that is administered either over the phone or in person without the “Test Taker” and “Examiner” having direct visual contact (divider or back-to-back). It is not a test of aviation knowledge, but a test of the candidate’s ability to understand and speak english in an aviation context. It can be taken prior to having any flight experience, prior to solo, etc. — it just must be completed before the license is issued.
It has been decided that Pilot Examiners that test PPL candidates will be offered the opportunity to become ALPT Examiners. They will be required to attend a workshop put on by Transport Canada, and provide an example of 3 examinations (in person or recorded) in order to be delegated. Transport Canada Inspectors will NOT be conducting the examinations, just the initial and recurrent training for the Examiners.
The test can be administered in English or French, depending on the delegation of the examiner and the requirement of the candidate.
Although the ICAO standards has 6 levels of language proficiency, in order to simplify matters, Canada only recognizes 3 of them:
“Expert” – ICAO Level 6
“Operational” – ICAO Level 4
“Below Operational” – Less than ICAO Level 4In Canada, you must have a minimum assessment of “Operational” (ICAO level 4) in order to hold a Canadian license.
They are scored on each of these 20 questions, and evaluated the following way:
-not more than 6 questions assessed at level 4 and no question assessed below level 4, they are awarded “Expert” ICAO level 6, and never have to take the test again.
-not more than 6 questions assessed at below level 4, they are awarded “Operational” ICAO level 4, and have to take the test again in 5 years.
-if they get more than 6 questions below level 4, they cannot hold an aviation license in Canada.
Regarding re-tests:
Re-tests may be done after a mandatory minimum waiting time, as defined by CARS 400.03 the same as the written examinations.Regarding all current pilots:
Most (all?) current Canadian license holders have been assessed using their pilot file — providing there was enough information (what language did they do their written exam in? Flight test? Last medical? Written correspondence?). Licenses issued after mid-November will have a language proficiency statement on them (example “Language Proficiency – English”). Transport Canada should be re-issuing all of the older, outstanding licenses to meet this requirement until the new “Passport Style” licenses are issued sometime later this year.I hope this clears up some of the confusion.
-TC Guy
So if you haven’t taken the test yet, there is little to study, just go and listen. If you did take it, how did you do?